Metastatic brain tumors are malignant lesions that spread to the brain from a primary neoplasm such as cancer or sarcoma located in other body organs. Brain metastases tend to cause deterioration of neurological function and negatively affect patients quality of life. Control of brain metastases is important, following improved outcomes that are being observed in patients with cancer. Recent advances in radiotherapy and drug therapy have led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of metastatic brain tumors. In this article, we review the clinical characterization of metastatic brain tumors that has reached a turning point in oncology.